The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major (Adjutant General’s Corps) William H. Stayton, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. With rare vision, sound judgment, and signal ability, Major Stayton organized and operated the office charged with the responsibility for the circulation of officers, soldiers, and civilians of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and of the officers of the allied forces in the zones occupied by the American armies, maintaining active contact with British and French authorities and with the American military police throughout France with reference to such circulation. By his tact and initiative, without American precedent, he handled these activities with the utmost efficiency. Later, in charge of the Appointment and Promotion Section of the Adjutant General’s Office, American Expeditionary Forces, he displayed unusual executive and administrative ability. His services were of immeasurable value to the Government.